What are the responsibilities and job description for the Artistic Director position at Cincinnati Youth Choir?
About Cincinnati Youth Choir
Cincinnati Youth Choir (CYC), founded in 1993 and in residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is recognized as one of the nation's premier youth choral organizations. Through its commitment to artistic excellence, diverse programming, and comprehensive music education, CYC serves hundreds of young singers annually through its various ensembles and community engagement programs. The organization includes multiple choirs for singers from grades 1-12, with the flagship ensemble being the Bel Canto choir. CYC has performed at numerous prestigious venues and events, including regional and national ACDA conferences, and has collaborated with professional organizations including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival Chorus.
Position Summary
The Artistic Director (AD) serves as the primary artistic leader of Cincinnati Youth Choir, responsible for maintaining and elevating the organization's artistic excellence while fostering the musical development of young singers. This person works closely with the Board of Directors and with the Executive Director to achieve CYC's mission and strategic goals. The AD will be a full-time artistic leader reporting to the Board of Directors.
Essential Responsibilities
Artistic and Administrative Leadership
• Oversee artistic quality across all CYC ensembles and programs
• Develop and produce comprehensive season plans and coordinate repertoire selection
• Conduct two choirs (Bel Canto & Con Brio) and maintain high artistic standards
• Conduct Singabration, the annual Summer Choral Camp program
• Serve as leader of the Artistic team, providing direct supervision and performance evaluation for all music and education team members
• Commission new works and pursue collaborative opportunities with other artists/organizations
• Lead auditions and evaluations of choir members throughout the year
• Execute and participate in the strategy and vision for all CYC tours
• Mentor University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (UC-CCM) graduate assistant assigned to the program through the Richard Wesp Assistant Director position
• Collaborate with UC-CCM Choral, Orchestral, and Opera departments
• Collaboration with Executive Director
• Lead recruitment and community engagement programs
• Coordinate Teacher Advisory Board activities and Crescendo Project initiatives
External Relations in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Represent CYC to the general public, press, arts community, and arts associations
• Represent themselves to donors, parents, perspective board members and the Greater Cincinnati community
• Participate in professional organizations (ACDA, Chorus America, ArtsWave, OMEA)
• Develop partnerships for joint appearances, tours, and recordings
• Collaborate on marketing, promotional materials, vendors, grant writing, and budget planning
Required Qualifications
• Master's degree in Choral Conducting or Music Education
• Experience conducting youth choirs at a high artistic level
• Demonstrated excellence in choir pedagogy and repertoire selection
• Strong organizational and visionary leadership abilities
• Preferred experience in staff supervision and development
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven track record with singer recruitment and program growth